On March 16, a 17-year-old US national was allegedly raped by an expat she met on Facebook, reports Hindustan Times . The girl came to India eight months ago and was residing in a gated community in Gurgaon with her mother. The report states that she knew the accused and had been constantly in touch with him. A case of rape was registered by the police, after they were alerted by doctors at AIIMS.
Although what is intriguing is the victim’s statement to the duty magistrate. The girl from Texas has, reportedly, requested that no harm be done to the accused. In fact, the FIR was filed by the police. Both the victim and her mother were reluctant to approach them.
On Monday morning, the accused picked the girl up from her residence and took her to Balaji Guest House in Sector 38 in Gurgaon. CCTV footage shows them entering and leaving the building. ACP (crime) Rajesh Kumar in his statement said, “She was bleeding and in pain when her mother got home in the evening.” The girl was rushed to AIIMS hospital where the doctors confirmed rape.
The accused, whose first name is allegedly David, is on the run. The girl has been able to provide no other details about him. HT reports that he was a frequent visitor to the guest house. As the cyber crime cell tries to trace his last location, the mobile numbers provided by the victim are switched off.
Much has been said about rape and crimes against women, especially in the national capital. Instances like these serve to remind us that rape is not country-specific, requires no provocation and has no justification.